Powerful pastoral Behind its idyllic cottage façade lies the pattern-filled abode of jeweller Solange Azagury-Partridge

Home to jeweller Solange Azagury-Partridge, this pattern-filled abode brings colour and character to the countryside aesthetic

‘CLUTTER TO SOME IS MINIMALIST TO OTHERS.

I’m sure this is quite busy for a lot of people, but it can never be too busy for me,’ says Solange Azagury-Partridge of her country home near Bruton in Somerset. ‘I can’t get enough pattern or colour. It’s about your own taste and what makes you happy.’ As a jewellery designer whose work is on permanent display at the V&A, it’s obvious that Solange is adept at creating designs that catch the eye and spark the imagination. Two qualities that are clearly on display here.

Even the story of how she and her husband, Murray, discovered this house is like a fairy tale. After seeing several disappointing properties, Murray took a drive. ‘He wiggled down this road and saw a tiny “For Sale” sign,’ recalls Solange. ‘He knocked on the door, the woman said “Yes, it’s for sale”, and he called me up to say, “I’ve found it!” It’s got a turret! I mean, how exciting is that?’

Keen to make a mark on her new home, the first thing Solange did was to paint the whole house pink – including the front door and window frames. After that, it’s been a process of layering. Pattern is very important here, but there’s been a unique approach to its application. ‘I remember going to a friend’s house in Paris and they had fabric on the walls. I was quite young, and it really marked me. I just thought how luxurious, comfortable and rich it felt.’ Nailed in place, the textiles dress this home. ‘It’s like a big tent,’ she says. ‘I could strip it all off, lift up my rugs and it would be as if we were never here. I could recreate this space anywhere.’

That said, this is a home that is clearly rooted in its surroundings. ‘Somerset’s got a real mythical vibe,’ says Solange. ‘It’s Avalon and Camelot, it’s rolling hills.’ It’s also, now, thanks to Soho House’s nearby Babington House and the Hauser & Wirth gallery, synonymous with a new, more creative approach to the traditional country style. Vintage pieces sit happily alongside more contemporary designs, and heritage patterns clash merrily. ‘It’s an aesthetic that’s very welcoming, warm, cosy and comfortable,’ adds Solange.

‘You just want to create a feeling of wellbeing,’ she explains. ‘What is your home if not a sanctuary from the outside world. When I decorated my shop for the first time, I said it is like a jewellery box. I think this little house is a jewel in its own right.’ solange.co.uk; sohohome.com

‘I CAN’T GET ENOUGH PATTERN OR COLOUR. IT’S ABOUT YOUR OWN TASTE AND WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY’

Exterior A bright pink door indicates that this is no ordinary cottage and sets the scene for the colourful interior beyond Living room ‘Blackthorn’ print by Morris & Co features heavily, used to upholster the sofa and cover the walls. Solange found this vintage ‘Eames Lounge Chair’, ‘I got it off a skip,’ she explains. It’s had three different types of cover over the years, and now sports a coat of colourful fabric from Jobs Handtryckta. The mirror by the window is the ‘Hardington’ and the sage green cushion the ‘Adeline’, both from Soho Home

Kitchen Pink walls and black cabinetry modernise the almost medieval look of the wallhanging and curtains. The dining table and chairs, as well as the sofa, are vintage pieces, as are the rugs. For a fabric with a similarly bright Arthurian feel, try Felt, which has stores in London and Somerset. A ‘Gluggle Jug’ by Wade and brass candlesticks from Soho Home decorate the table

Kitchen A narrow shelf above the kitchen unit is the perfect place for vintage glassware and plates. Patterned tiles and a colourful handmade curtain below the ‘Belfast’ sink add to the quirkiness of the whole design ➤

Study ‘Etienne’ fabric by Harlequin, available from the Style Library, brightens up the few walls in this space that aren’t lined with books Hallway A rainbow-carpeted staircase is paired with the punchy fabric pattern of ‘Lyford Trellis’ by China Seas at Quadrille Fabrics on the wall. A ‘Hetty’ footstool from Soho Home sits at the bottom of the stairs ➤

Bathroom A traditional freestanding tub – try Burlington for similar – is set against one of the more modern patterns in this home: the ‘Martinique Banana Leaf’ wallpaper. Originally used in the Beverly Hills Hotel, it’s a modern classic, available at Designer Wallcoverings Bedroom Solange describes mornings here as feeling like she’s ‘waking up in heaven’. A patchwork of cheerful fabrics adorns the walls and the bedspread, combining ‘Pagoda’ by Manuel Canovas at Colefax & Fowler with an oak leaf motif See Stockists page for details